ABSTRACT
While there is an extensive tradition of vernacular earthen built heritage in the UK, in Scotland these building types are not well recorded. As this type of construction was commonly used at least until the 18th and 19th centuries, there is an urgent need for research in order to document, preserve and maintain this part of Scottish vernacular history. Research on documentary and published material will increase our understanding of earth building materials throughout Scotland, including the various techniques of earth wall construction and the use of earth mortar. Whereas some sites are well known to the conservation and heritage community, it is anticipated that many others are not well known and some are unrecorded altogether and at risk from inappropriate repairs. This paper will demonstrate the need for recording all earth materials being used in Scotland, to ensure their future conservation. It also illustrates the need to maintain skills in the repair of vernacular buildings.
